Hi all,

I just wanted to share what I have done on a dial that I have bought few months ago on the bay.



Actually, I bought it because it was cheap and I needed a step dial for my 105.012-65 Speedmaster. Fist I was looking for a nice dial but the prices went too high for my reasonnable mind!!

Anyway, the purpose of my restoration was to make it closer to the original and reversible. So I attempted a restoration from a custom decal! (It looks much better than on this picture, the camera of my phone is obviously crap!)



I know it is not perfect but acceptable. Now the dial is on its way to James Hyman for a relume.

What do you think? (no need to throw me over a bridge BTW)

 

As you say the dial is reversible, can we see the other side?

 

Nope I did not took picture of it and I sent it to James today!! Once I get it back I will do
It is a correct Singer with a broken foot!! (I have already say that it was horribly cheap...)

 

Looks good. How was this done?


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Real great job! We have to be much more careful in the future to spot redone dials...

 

Just curious; was this done by creating a 'dry transfer', similar to dry transfer lettering (e.g. Letraset)? I am asking because you mention that it's reversible. I have used black Letraset to repair paint loss on dial edges, in the knowledge that it is wholly reversible. However it appears to be surprisingly hard wearing and has survived a subsequent movement service without any damage.

 

On this one you can see the not perfect position and the serif of the 'T SWISS MADE T', the difference of thickness on the left side of the minute track...my aim is to have a wearable step dial without spending a watch budget for it, not pretending it is 100% untouched.

The dial restoration from the real specialists in Asia are really amazing and almost perfect!

 

I used a water transfer. I prepared the dial with enamel varnish and after application a matt finish. It is reversible and easily removable with the correct product (I went to a modelist shop).

 

That was a great idea! Having built my fair share of model kits and used tons of decals I think it's safe say it's easily removed in the future (ask me how I know....)

 

Exactly!! I had a proposal to redone it professionally but I felt unconfortable with the fact that it would be non removable and if I decide to sell it I rather prefer to be crystal clear on the condition of the dial and let the future owner decide on the dial.

 

Excellent work. Did you draw the markings in photoshop/illustrator, and then send for printing?

 

Thank you, yes exactly!! My brother is a storyboarded so he done the pattern in .psd file. The T SWISS MADE T was applied by a dial rest orator (who refuse to restore partially the dial as many others)

 

Just receive the pictures of the relume from James Hyman! He did an amazing and satisfied job despite of the texture of my restoration which made complications!

 

Pretty good for home job


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Thanks!! next step picture of what was the watch and what it became!!

 

You made a great job of repairing the dial and restoring the lost detail. James' relume is excellent - he did some work on an Autavia for me and I have the utmost regard for his work. IMO, you couldn't have made a better choice.
Please do post some before & after photos of the complete watch.

 

Looks amazing

 

@SpeedTar

WOW!

Impressive, great job. I did a before and after to make it easier to see how well it turned out.

 

@SpeedTar There are some areas without paint on the dial, those will show when this dial is mounted. Are you going to address that? I am asking because I have a dial with a very small scratch on the black area and I am trying to figure out my options for addressing it.

 

Many thanks, I appreciate!!

I have tested a slight "painting" with a part of sponge. It may works on a little scratch like yours. I will receive my dial by the end of the week. I will apply my method and let you know if it looks good